Faithfulness in the Little Things

I was very convicted by this piece this morning.  What it really comes down to is, Are we living for ourselves, or are we living for Christ?  If we would live for Christ, we must constantly die to ourselves, to our preferences, to our wants, to anything that has to do with "I".  May He be gracious to reveal our hearts and to help us to walk faithfully in the little things.  That's what really shows who we are and who we're serving.

"She hath done what she could."  - Mark 14:8

Lord, let me do the little things

Which may fall to my lot;

Those little inconspicuous ones

By others oft forgot.

If, like the Master, I can give

Myself for those I love,

Rich joy and peace shall come to me,

Sweet rest in heaven above.

I know not when the day shall close;

But when life's curfew rings

I want my Lord to find me then

Still doing little things.

-Unknown-

I'm sure that those persons who are faithful in that which is least must wear very radiant crowns.  They are the ones who tower above us when they are called upon to do the little tasks - never murmuring.  They are meticulous in the furrowed roads of drudgery.  They are the people who, when trudging up the "Hill of Difficulty," make it well.  They are the folks who win the victories amid trivial irritations.  They are as constant when they are wearing house dresses or overalls in their daily chores as when they are wearing royal purple and fine satin in the presence of the King.  They complete the most obscure piece of work as though it were to be displayed before a great assembly who will pass judgment.  Great are they who are faithful in the little things.

Little hamlets act out their dramas in small events.  Jesus lived most of His thirty years amid the insignificant incidents of the little village of Nazareth.  He toiled faithfully as a carpenter in His father's little shop.  He labored amid the humdrum, the petty cares, the trivial village gossip.  Yet He was faithful in the little things - yes, even in the least!  He wore His crown with dignity and honor.  It was forever upon His brow!

- M. Taylor

-Streams in the Desert, Volume 2, May 3rd

~Brittany

God Moves In A Mysterious Way

God moves in a mysterious way

His wonders to perform;

He plants His footsteps in the sea,

And rides upon the storm.

Deep in unfathomable mines

Of never failing skill

He treasures up His bright designs

And works His sovereign will.

Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take;

The clouds ye so much dread

Are big with mercy, and shall break

In blessings on your head.

Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,

But trust Him for His grace;

Behind a frowning providence

He hides a smiling face.

His purposes will ripen fast,

Unfolding every hour;

The bud may have a bitter taste,

But sweet will be the flower.

Blind unbelief is sure to err,

And scan His work in vain:

God is His own interpreter,

And He will make it plain.

- Poem by William Cowper, 1731-1800

~Brittany

If thou but suffer God to guide thee,

And hope in Him thro' all thy ways,

He'll give the strength, what-e'er betide thee,

And bear thee thro the evil days;

Who trust in God's unchanging love

Builds on the rock that naught can move.

Obey, thou restless, heart, be still

And wait in cheerful hope, content

To take what-e'er His gracious will,

His all discerning love, hath sent;

Nor doubt our inmost wants are known

To Him who chose us for His own.

Sing, pray, and swerve not from His ways;

But do thine own part faithfully.

Trust His rich promises of grace,

So shall they be fulfilled in thee.

God never yet forsook in need

The soul that trusted Him indeed. Amen

Georg Neumark (Catherine Winkworth, Translator)

Inter-Varsity Hymnal

~Brittany

How Can We Doubt?

How can we doubt?

When I think of all God hath said

How can I doubt this path I tread?

If I should doubt, then is He wrong?

Or do I think that He's not strong?

Forbid it Lord and let me know

To Thee all praise and honor owe

I think sometimes I know the way

And then get caught amidst the fray

Sometimes God gives me many pains

So I would let Him have the reins

Sometimes my Jesus hides His face

So I can see 'tis by His grace

He's always there whate're I think

And He will never let me sink

When by His grace He sees me through

And bids to all my fears "adieu"

What glorious day when I am done

And then I'll see Him, Christ the Son

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart

And don't trust yourself to start

Don't on your understanding lean

But unto Him who is unseen

In all your ways acknowledge Him,

And He will keep you from your sin.

- S.J.L. -

~Brittany

Poem, I Will Wait for You

I thought this poem was so neat!  A challenge and encouragement to be the women God wants us to be.  If we will seek Him, He will provide in His perfect timing.

~Brittany

Poem ~ Sometime

This was posted on Google+ by a friend who gave me permission to share it.  I thought it was really good!  Very convicting!

Sometime
“I’ll do that sometime —just not now”, I tell myself. Sometime comes…sometimes goes…“Aren’t you supposed to be doing something?” My conscience whispers to me. I try to brush him off, but he’s right nonetheless. I did say I’d do it…sometime. I ‘helplessly’ tell him, “I can’t do it now. I’m busy. I’ll do it sometime… Quiet, but firm was his response, “I know, that’s what you said last time”, was his reply. “That’s not a concern of yours, but it’s mine!” I yell at him.  “Okay”,  He whispered. “just remember who you belong to—Jesus.” My heart sank when he said that. He went further, “When people look at you they see a reflection of   Jesus. What reflection do you want them to see: a selfish, self-centered, prideful person?” I knew he was right. Sometime comes…sometime goes…and only sometimes does something happen when I say, “I’ll do that…sometime.” 
-Andrew  Howard

~Brittany

Neat Poem

This is a really neat poem that a friend shared.  Thought I'd share it here too. :-)

I worship Thee, most gracious God,
 And all Thy ways adore;
 And every day I live, I seem
 To love Thee more and more.
When obstacles and trials seem
 Like prison walls to be,
 I do the little I can do,
 And leave the rest to Thee.
I have no cares, O blessèd Will,
 For all my cares are Thine;
 I live in triumph, Lord, for Thou
 Hast made Thy triumphs mine.
He always wins who sides with God;
 To him no chance is lost;
 God’s will is sweetest to him when
 It triumphs at his cost.
Ill that He blesses is our good,
 And unblest good is ill;
 And all is right that seems most wrong,
 If it be His sweet will.
                            -Fred­er­ick W. Fabe

~Brittany